The win moved Marshall to 7-4-2, 2-2-1 in Conference USA, matching the Herd’s 2012 win total. The Pirates fell to 4-8-2, 1-4-0 C-USA. Marshall hadn’t defeated East Carolina since Oct. 28, 2010, when the Herd shut out the Pirates, 1-0.

Neither team recorded a shot until the 21st minute, but the first strike of the game proved to be significant. Freshman Summer Wheatley (Huntington, W.Va.) sailed a corner kick into the fray facing East Carolina’s goal, and Lemons took control, volleying a shot from 15 yards into the top left corner of the net. Lemons’ goal ended a 378-minute scoring famine for the Herd; Marshall hadn’t found the net since the game-winning penalty kick versus Old Dominion, Sept. 27. Wheatley’s assist marked her first collegiate point.

The Herd extended its lead to 2-0 on an own goal in the 41st minute. Marshall’s back line stood strong for the rest of the match, and East Carolina couldn’t come up with an answer.

Junior goalkeeper Lizzie Kish (Boyertown, Pa.) (7-4-2, 2-2-1 C-USA) picked up her eighth shutout in the victory, making four saves. Kish ranks third all-time in the Marshall record book for season shutouts (8) and is fourth all-time for career shutouts (8). Each of the Herd’s seven wins this season are shutouts.

East Carolina’s Saundra Baron (4-8-2, 1-4-0 C-USA) made four saves and took two goals against her in the loss.

Marshall dominated the corner kick figure (9-1) and narrowly led the shot chart (12-11), putting six strikes on target.

Next, the Herd returns to Huntington for a home Conference USA weekend against Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee, Friday and Sunday, respectively. For the latest information about Marshall women’s soccer, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter.